With the countdown to the 2023 African Games reaching its final stretch, concerns have been raised over the readiness of the Theodosia Okoh Hockey pitch. This stadium is set to host the hockey competition of the African Games, but currently lacks a hockey turf.
The African Games, which will feature twenty-nine sporting disciplines including eight Olympic qualifiers for Paris 2024, are set to kick off soon. However, due to the slow progress of work at the Theodosia Okoh Hockey Stadium, the start date for hockey has been pushed back to March 17.
To address the turf issue, the hockey turf is expected to arrive in Ghana on March 5, giving the organizers just 12 days to fix the turf, test it, and ensure it meets the International Hockey Federation (FIG) standards for the games.
This delay comes at a time when Ghana’s hockey teams are already facing challenges. Both the men’s and women’s teams failed to qualify for the Olympics during the 2024 Olympic qualifiers in South Africa, with the men finishing third and the women fourth.
The Ghana Hockey Federation has been struggling to prepare the teams for the African Games, facing difficulties in securing adequate playing surfaces. Despite being chosen to host prestigious events like the African Cup for Club Championship (ACCC) in 2021 and the Hockey Africa Cup of Nations in 2022, the Theodosia Okoh Hockey pitch has not met the required international standards.
As the opening ceremony of the African Games draws near, questions arise about who should be held accountable for the unprepared state of the hockey pitch. The Local Organizing Committee is responsible for ensuring that the facilities are ready for the tournament, and their failure to deliver on time is causing concern among stakeholders.
With the clock ticking, all eyes are on the organizers to expedite the preparations and ensure that the Theodosia Okoh Hockey pitch is ready to welcome athletes and spectators for this prestigious event.
